Seth Brock: Montana State National Champion on Earning Reps and Staying Ready | The Gametime Guru

I’ve had the opportunity to follow Seth Brock’s story since his days at Eagle High School here in the Treasure Valley. Back then, I got to watch him compete as a tight end and defensive end, and he was also getting after it on the wrestling mat. He was one of those high-level athletes you could tell had “something” early on. Fast forward… and now he’s a national champion at Montana State.

In this episode, Seth takes us inside what the transition to college football really looks like. Not the highlight reel version. The real version. Going from being “the guy” in high school to showing up at the next level where nobody cares who you were. You’re back at ground zero. You’re earning everything.

That includes redshirting, staying patient, staying humble, and learning how to keep working even when you’re not getting the reps you want on Saturdays.

I love how Seth breaks down the impact wrestling had on his football career. If you’ve ever wondered why coaches love multi-sport athletes, this is exactly why. We talk about leverage, hand-fighting, conditioning, mental toughness, and the kind of adversity that shapes you in ways people don’t see. Seth also shares a metaphor their D-line room lives by: “Water the bamboo.” You don’t always see growth right away… until it shoots up.

We also get into Montana State football and the standard they’ve built.

People love to underestimate FCS football until they actually watch it. Seth explains the physicality, the mindset, and what it takes to maintain a championship-level culture. And when we talk about big moments, he shares some unreal memories, including Gold Rush, the blocked punt return, a strip sack in the Super Brawl, and his welcome-to-college-football moment at Oregon.

If you’re a young athlete trying to make the jump to the next level, or a parent trying to understand what your kid is stepping into, this episode is packed with real lessons about timing, preparation, and maximizing the opportunities you get, because sometimes you only get a couple snaps to prove you belong.

And if you want to support Seth, he’s got NIL gear available (jerseys/shirts) and his links are in the description. Even if you don’t grab anything, go show him love and follow the journey.

If you’re a fan of local Idaho athletes, the grind behind the scenes, and the stories that come with chasing greatness, make sure you subscribe here on YouTube and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Those quick reviews take 60 seconds, but they help this show more than you know.

Links to support:
https://www.thenilshop.co/collections...

0:00 — Intro: From Eagle High to National Champion
Seth Brock’s journey from Treasure Valley athlete to Montana State champion, and what this episode will cover.

2:34 — Reconnecting + Why This Story Matters
Following Seth since high school, why the college transition is worth studying, and a quick message to supporters.

3:46 — Eagle High School Foundations (Coaches, Culture, Grades)
Coaching changes, accountability, and how Eagle prepared him for the next level on and off the field.

6:16 — Wrestling Advantage for Football (Leverage, Hand-Fighting, Mental Toughness)
Why wrestling translates directly to the trenches and the mindset required to break through walls.

9:58 — Conditioning + “All-American Reps”
Being in shape enough to stack reps, stay explosive, and deliver max effort when you’re on the field.

11:08 — The College Transition: Humility, Redshirt Year, “Water the Bamboo”
Going from “the guy” to ground zero, staying patient, and trusting the process when results aren’t immediate.

14:22 — FCS Physicality + Big Sky Respect
Why Montana State’s brand is physical, how the top FCS programs stack up, and proving it vs FBS opponents.

16:01 — Maintaining a Championship Standard (1–0 Mindset)
How the program stays consistent: one day at a time, one week at a time, “how you do anything is how you do everything.”

18:29 — Favorite Moments: Gold Rush, Super Brawl, Oregon Welcome-to-College Moment
Blocked punt return, strip sack vs Montana, and the first snap in Autzen Stadium.

34:32 — Day in the Life + Bozeman Picks + NIL Support
Schedule of a student-athlete, where to eat in Bozeman, and how listeners can support Seth (Instagram + gear links).